A New Perspective

I was driving in the car today and I was thinking about a particular adoptive family. They are faithful people and prayed fervently for their adopted children. They have really run into relatively few problems and I began to contemplate my life. We prayed for our future daughter years before she entered our life, even before she was born. I prayed for an easy adjustment and a secure attachment. I had visions of adopting a slightly older child, probably potty trained, and more fun than actual 'work'. I got almost nothing I prayed for. I got what I didn't know I could have. It's like the description of heaven, no one knows what it's like because it is beyond what we are capable of comprehending, colors we have never dreamed of, wanting for nothing, etc, etc. I got what I didn't even know to pray for. I got a lot more patience than I thought I was capable of, I got educated on sensory processing disorder, physical therapy, occupational therapy, theraputic listening, Crossinology/BIT, feeding therapy, impacted ear wax, speech therapy, IEP's, McKay scholarships, attachment therapy, NR, retained relflexes, vision therapy, and many more. I got to appreciate what trust really means. I got the gift of love that is earned. I learned the impact of emotional trauma. I saw a child overcome more obstacles in 4 years than most people will see in 3 lifetimes. I didn't get what I prayed for, I got so much more, so much better. Occasionally I still wish that it was easier for her, but I think she will have a better perspective on life because of it. She is a fighter and she will go far. I love everyday with my darling daughter. She opened up my eyes to another world. I have a purpose beyond my family, I now have an opportunity to help the children left behind in the orphanages. I am reminded that when you don't get what you pray for, it's because God knew that you needed something different that what you wanted.